Three-week-old tiger cubs at Chester Zoo have just had their first health examinations, led by the zoo’s veterinary team.
During the check, the cubs were sexed, dewormed, microchipped, and vaccinated against cat flu, receiving similar treatments as pet cats, though with added care due to their wild nature.
Tim Rowlands, the zoo’s Curator of Mammals, explained that despite resembling typical pet vaccinations, the cubs required extra precautions during handling.
Each cub was also weighed and given a full health assessment. Veterinary Officer Livia Benato confirmed that all three females were in excellent health.
Zoo Keeper Alan Woodward shared his excitement over the all-female trio, calling them “three little angels” born just in time for Christmas.
The cubs, born on October 21 to mother Kirana and father Fabi, are a significant achievement for the zoo’s breeding efforts and offer hope for the endangered species.
With only around 400 Sumatran tigers left in their natural habitat, the birth of these cubs represents a vital step in safeguarding the species.
They will be part of a European breeding program to support wild populations facing threats like poaching and habitat loss.
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